“But you lost your dream because of me.”
“I didn’t lose it. I simply chose to do something else. Do you know how many people I help through the foundation? I’m making a huge difference. Giving up art was…” I shrug, unsure exactly how to phrase it.
The last thing I want is Dominic’s guilt. The deal I had with Shirley could’ve been much, much worse—she could’ve insisted I marry some horrible guy because he happened to be from the “right” family. Or a hundred other more offensive choices. But all she demanded was I devote my life to charity. And for that, I’m admired and respected by my peers and so many people around the world.
“Why did you give it up?” Dominic asks. “You could’ve done both.”
“Shirley wanted me to choose. She thought pursuing art was a distraction, and I could only be one or the other.” Even though my grandma put it so graciously, it’d never been a true choice. There was always only one right answer—the one she wanted to hear. And I understood how it needed to go to protect Dominic and Kristen.
Dominic mutters something that sounds like “fuck” under his breath. “Why didn’t you paint when you had the time after she died?”
“I made a promise.”
“Under duress. You don’t have to honor anything like that.” He takes my hand and runs the pad of his thumb over each finger. “You’re so talented. The world doesn’t just need you to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. It needs you to share your art too. And I’m going to make sure of it.”
The solemn tone of his voice fills me with joy and apprehension. This happiness is too intense, like what I felt right before our world fell apart.
You still haven’t told him everything. He still doesn’t know how you set his cousin up. Remember how warm he was to Andy?
Shut up, shut up. Andy can be dealt with some other way. Tolyan’ll figure out a solution that will neutralize him and preserve this happiness.
To cover my unease, I clear my throat and turn my voice extra light. “Are you trying to earn brownie points with Ming Ming?” My best friend’s been trying to get me to paint again.
“Nope. I’m trying to be a knight.”
“A knight?”
“I saw your painting this morning. The first time you showed it to me, I didn’t recognize the shapes, but I do now. I love how he faces the dragon, so brave and determined. I want to be your knight and slay all your dragons.”
Oh my… He’s killing me with his protectiveness. I look down at my plate and realize with a start that I finished most of my breakfast. I place the tray on a small table next to me and turn to him, my lips seeking his.
Every knight deserves a kiss from his lady…and so much more.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Dominic
I get two sizable filet mignons out of the fridge for dinner, letting them sit on the counter and warm a bit before I toss them on the grill. Liza and I had a lazy late morning and afternoon in the water, and she’s currently in the studio, trying to finish up her painting before we leave.
I told her to take her time. We don’t have to go anywhere unless she wants to. This island has become our haven—a cozy place where we can be ourselves without worrying about anybody else.
My phone rings. It’s Kristen.
“Hello, sis,” I say.
“Hey, you sound cheery. Having a great time?”
“Yup. Everything okay in L.A.?”
“Of course. I’m just calling to hear your voice and see when you plan to be back.”
I frown. “I don’t know yet. Why?” The company’s doing fine, and Antoine hasn’t sounded any alarms.
“You heard Andy quit his job, right?”
“Yeah.”
“He came by today at work. My work, I mean.”